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ALAMOGORDO — Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham stopped by the New Mexico Museum of Space History Thursday to talk about New Mexico's fifth consecutive year of record-breaking tourism.

"In 2016, New Mexico welcomed 34.4 million trips - a 1 million trip increase from 2015," Latham said. "There were more people coming from out of state than ever before, which is very important but we also saw more New Mexicans travelling within the state."

The only decrease the New Mexico Tourism Department saw was in the number of visiting friends and relatives.

Two gems responsible for bringing tourists to the state are White Sands National Monument and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

"Alamogordo is an absolute treasure," Latham said. "First and foremost because of White Sands National Monument, which is a huge motivator for international travel that has global appeal. We're very proud of everything White Sands has to offer."

Latham said her favorite aspect of Alamogordo is the hospitality of its residents.

"The people here are just so warm and friendly," she said. "They put out such a great welcome mat out for visitors."

Latham highlighted that Alamogordo, one of the earliest communities to adopt the New Mexico True campaign, has recently done more New Mexico True branding to attract contractors for the new F-16 squadron, families and long-term relocation.

Gov. Susana Martinez was scheduled to speak in Alamogordo about tourism Thursday but had a family emergency. Latham instead stepped in for Martinez, speaking to a crowd of community member and local leaders including Mayor Richard Boss, state Rep. Yvette Herrell, and state Sens. Ron Griggs and Bill Burt.

"I think it's outstanding (to have Latham in Alamogordo)," Herrell said. "It shows that the state really does care about the different tourist spots around the state. It's great she's willing to take time to come out and visit the sites herself and share with our community and community leaders how well the tourism department is doing, not only in the state but in the nation."

Griggs said Alamogordo and many other communities across New Mexico have scenery to offer unlike anything else in the world.

"Look at the clear blue skies, the mountains, the white sand, it's great for people to come by and see what we have here in our part of the state," Griggs said. "Way too often when people talk about New Mexico, they talk about places in the north. This is every bit as spectacular as what's in the north. All of us who live here recognize it, it's just important we get everybody else to recognize it too and I think the tourism department is doing a great job."